Casio CTK 2550
Casio CTK 3500
In this head-to-head comparison, we take on two of Casio’s most popular models: the Casio CTK 2550 vs 3500.
These two Casio keyboards are aimed at beginner players and boast terrific features, along with notable pros and cons. We show you how to choose the model that’s best for you!
Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500 Specifications Compared
| Specification | CTK 2550 | CTK 3500 |
|---|---|---|
| |  |  |
|
Keys |
61 full-sized keys |
61 full-sized keys |
|
Polyphony (max) |
48 |
48 |
|
Integrated Tones |
400 |
400 |
|
Reverb Setting |
10 |
10 |
|
Microphone Input |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Touch Response |
No |
2 sensitivity levels (off) |
|
MIDI Input |
No |
Yes |
|
Pitch Bend Wheel |
No |
Yes |
|
Dance Music Mode |
Yes |
No |
|
USB to Host |
No |
Yes |
|
Weight (w/o batteries) |
7.3 pounds |
7.5 pounds |
| Cell |
Major Similarities Between Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500
Casio CTK 2550 and the Casio CTK 3500 are both 61-key keyboards. Each keyboard has 61 full-sized keys, which is ideal for complete beginners.
Built In Music
Both the piano keyboards allow you to produce and explore different kinds of music. Both of them feature 48 polyphonies, 30 songs, 400 built-in tones, 100 built-in rhythms, 46 (12/34) world rhythms, 50 built-in dance music rhythms, and 60 built-in tunes. Because of these musical features, you can play a wide variety of songs – from classical to blues to rock and roll, to contemporary, and lots more.
Lesson Function
Another similarity you will come across between the Casio CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500 is that they come with the lesson function. Again, this is extremely useful for new learners. This feature has the Lesson Lite, Scoring System, and Voice Fingering Guide options. Additionally, you can learn to play with just the right hand, just the left hand, and both hands together.
Sustain Pedal
Both the Casio CTK 2550 and Casio CTK 3500 also come with a sustain pedal, which makes piano playing easier. That’s because this handy tool lets you create a sound for a long time without having to keep the key on the keyboard pressed.
Set Up and Dimensions
Additionally, both Casio models include the key transpose, tuning control, and metronome. They also come with batteries, music stand, and AC adapters, which make the setup before playing music simple. Furthermore, both the models have the same dimensions (37.2” x 12.1” x 3.6”), speakers (3.9” x2), and amplifiers (2 W + 2 W).
Dance Music Mode
Both the Casio CTK 2550 and the Casio CTK3500 are loved for the Dance Music Mode. With this mode on, you can instantly become a DJ and play amazing dance tracks for your audience. You can also remix songs on the spot by simply pressing different key combinations. This is a feature that can come in handy when playing the piano at a party.
Casio CTK-2550 PPK 61-Key Premium Keyboard Pack with Stand, Headphones & Power Supply
Casio CTK-3500 61-Key Touch Sensitive Portable Keyboard with Power Supply
Major Differences Between Casio CTK 2550 VS Casio CTK 3500
There aren’t vast differences between the Casio CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500. But since we are doing a comprehensive review, it’s important to delve into the details.
Touch Sensitivity of Keys
One major difference between the CTK 2550 and the CTK 3500 is that the latter is touch-sensitive. This means the piano produces different sounds depending on how hard the keys are pressed – which is how an acoustic piano operates. This feature helps new piano players develop an understanding of how hard to press the keys to achieve the desired volume. The harder you press, the louder the sound keyboard makes. On the contrary, pressing the keys gently will create soft sounds. Getting a feel for how hard to press the keys makes it easier to transition to an acoustic piano.
On the other hand, Casio CTK 2550 has unweighted keys. This means the piano keys are made from plastic and employ “springs” to return the keys to their main positions. The advantage to this type of keyboard is that it has a lighter and quicker feel than pianos with weighted or semi-weighted keys.
Connections
Another significant difference between the Casio models is how they connect to the outside world. The CTK 3500 – but not the CTK 2550 – offers a USB-MIDI connection. This means you can easily plug your MIDI keyboard directly to your PC or phone, without the need of an interface. This feature allows you to transfer your recorded music to your personal devices and edit it or send it to others for feedback. A piano instructor could also use it run assessment software.
Weight
While both the pianos are considered light and transportable, it should be pointed out that the CTK 3500 is slightly heavier than the CTK 2550. Nonetheless, the weight difference is quite minute and doesn’t make much of a difference overall.
Pitch Bend Wheel
The CTK 3500 also comes with a unique pitch bend wheel, which is a controller most often found on higher end synthesizers. It enables you to change the pitch as you play along. You can easily raise or lower the pitch of your notes and alter your music as a result. This is a fun feature.
Casio CTK 2550 Summary
Major Features
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
|
Easy to Manage and Transport |
One of the best features of the CTK 2550 is that it is manageable and transportable. The keyboard weighs less than ten pounds. While you probably won’t use the piano for gigs, you may need to move it around the house or carry it to and from piano classes to your house. Its light weight makes it easy to move around.
The main reason why the CTK 2550 is compact and lightweight is because it lacks the features of advanced keyboards. Unlike large boards, this one doesn’t have the full 88 keys. However, that’s not an issue at all, considering that the piano is designed for beginners, and a 61-key keyboard is considered sufficient is many cases. |
|
Multitude of Tones, Rhythms, and Built in Songs |
The best thing about the CTK 2550 is that it has lots of sound options – polyphones, integrated tones, stereo piano tones, dance music effects, and rhythms. You will come across three different kinds of rhythms – dance music rhythms, world rhythms, and built-in rhythms. When it comes to built-in tunes, the Casio CTK 2550 has over 400 built in tones, and 60 songs in its song bank. The wide array of music options gives you the freedom to be creative and innovative when playing the piano. |
|
All-Dance Music Mode |
With this mode, piano players get a chance to let their inner DJ shine. Whether you are playing at a party or by yourself, the All-Dance Music Mode can let you enjoy your piano like never before. All you have to do is press the all-dance music button and have fun being a DJ for a change.
You can also use “Build-up Play” to incorporate sound effects into to your dance music and have even more fun. The Build-Up play feature includes six dramatic sound effects. Press any of them to jazz up your music! |
|
Affordable |
Last but not least, Casio CTK 2550 is a good value for money. It’s affordable yet functional, which is a rare combination. You probably won’t find a beginner piano cheaper than this.
Please note that Casio usually produces expensive pianos, so this one is quite a catch! |
Pros and Cons of Casio CTK 2550
Pros
- Compact and portable
- Available at an affordable price
- A huge library of tones, rhythms, songs, etc.
- Chordana Play App connectivity
- Features the lesson function
- 48-note polyphonyDance music mode
- Different music styles
Cons
- Unweighted keys
- Not the same number of keys as an acoustic piano
- Average sound quality
- Lacks MIDI connection
The Bottom Line
The Casio CTK 2550 is one of the finest keyboards for beginners out there. All types of beginner music students can start their journey with the CTK 2550. The most stand-out feature is its affordability. The next feature that makes the piano such a favorite among beginners is the numerous song options. From different tones to rhythms to songs to everything in between, this piano is ideal for a beginner to explore different kinds of music.
Once your student gets serious about learning piano, then the lack of weighted keys and missing MIDI connection will become an issue, and you will need to upgrade.
Casio CTK 3500 Summary
Major Features
| FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
|
Touch-Sensitive Keys |
The biggest selling point of Casio CTK 3500 is its touch-sensitive keys. Generally, the price of touch-sensitive keyboards is pretty high. With this economical keyboard, you can save money and still have an excellent piano playing experience.
When playing the Casio’s touch-sensitive keys, you can control the volume by how hard you press the keys. This will help you play the piano better. |
|
Excellent Built-In Music Lessons |
Since the CTK 3500 is designed for beginners, it is packed with educational functions. You can use them to learn the basics of piano playing and move ahead in your musical journey. For starters, you can begin by the note reading, body positioning, and hand placement lessons.
The keyboard features a clear LCD display that shows you all the instructions needed to follow to master the basic piano playing skills. The educational pack bundle of the CTK 3500 contains eMedia Instructional Software that offers several video techniques and demos for beginners. |
|
Chordana Play App |
Another great feature of Casio CTK 3500 is the Chordana Play App. With this app, you can expand your song library and play more music on your piano.
To use this app effectively, you won’t need to do much. All you have to do is connect the keyboard to your PC or mobile phone and download more MIDI files to the app, which adds more songs to your library. The app also helps in other ways. For instance, it allows you to record and store your performances automatically, so you can play and review them at any point in the future. |
|
Awesome Connectivity Options |
Casio CTK 3500 has multiple connectivity options. For example, it has a headphone jack at the back of the board. Because of this feature, you can easily connect your headphone and enjoy endless private practice sessions.
At the back, there’s also a pedal port from where you can connect a sustain or damper pedal. There’s also a USB MIDI interface that helps you connect the keyboard to your PC in a matter of seconds! |
Pros and Cons of Casio CTK 3500
Pros
- Touch-sensitive keys
- 400 voices, 100 styles, 48 key max
- A plethora of integrated rhythms and effects
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable
- Beginner lessons on the LCD screen
- Includes power supply, music stand, and AC adapter
- Feature a headphone jack and USB-MIDI interface
Cons
- Piano sounds mechanical
- Lacks onboard recording feature
The Bottom Line
The Casio CTK 3500 is a modern touch-sensitive keyboard that is a great option for beginners to learn how to play piano. The keyboard helps the student develop a musical ear with its massive library of songs, rhythms, and tunes. The availability of the Chordana play app, and the Educational lessons further help beginners to master piano playing at their own pace!
Somesh Sharma’s Comparison of the Casio CTK 2550 and Casio CTK 3500
Conclusion
Casio piano keyboards are known worldwide for their excellent quality and sound. In this article, we’ve laid out the specs, features, and pros & cons of the Casio CTK 2550 vs the Casio CTK 3500. If you’re researching which beginner Casio piano to get, you can use this information to make an informed decision between them. The Casio CTK 2550 is for absolute beginners who are in the exploratory phase of their music education. The CTK 3500 has more features that are conducive to studying with a piano teacher.
